Attempting to squeeze nuggets about the music business from Money is challenging. The man behind "Baby Hold On," "Shakin'," "I Think I'm in Love" and handful of other Top 40 hits in the 1970s and '80s prefers joke telling. Some -- OK, most -- can't be repeated for the easily offended.

"I can't do jokes on stage anymore," Money said. "They (management) is looking for something clean, so I took all the jokes out. I'm now serious like (Bruce) Springsteen or (Tom) Petty. I have to tell all my jokes to the security guard."

Money said he is trying to live a cleaner life, somehow surviving those years of being the rowdy rock star with substance abuse issues.

"My doctor said I was 'pre-diabetic' so I lost 14 pounds. No pasta, cakes, cookies or sugar," Money said.

Unfortunately, a visit last week back to his home state of New York didn't exactly get Money into organic produce.

Proving at least some of those self-indulgent days are over, Money did record "One More Soldier Coming Home," a fund-raising single for the Fallen Heroes Fund. Visitors to his web site can download the Mp3 for 99 cents with all the proceeds helping families of those lost in service and severely wounded service members.

"Many of my fans have sons and daughters who are currently risking their lives while stationed overseas, and I feel like this is my way of thanking them for everything they do," said Money, who spent time briefly with the New York police and whose brother and father were New York cops.

"I've spent my entire life surrounded by service people, so it's great that I have an opportunity to give something back," Money said. "I give what

I can."

With a big family, there are bills to pay. And built-in excuses to keep the tours ongoing.

"I've got five kids. I'll do anything to get out of the house," Money said. "I do like to sing. It keeps my weight down. And I'm staying sober."

Back to the jokes. About a peach that can't be repeated. And a joke about a nun that really can't be repeated.

Hey, if this music thing fades, "I'd do comedy," Money said. "And I'd get fat eating donuts and watching Sports

Center."

And it's hard to forget a past that includes ex-wives.

"I've given away houses and cars and sold publishing rights to buy out a wife," Money said.

Still, there's always the positive.

"I have my health. I don't have cancer. And I have fans that still love me," he said.

He also has new material with a recording forthcoming.

"There's one song I'm trying to get to Bruno Mars about a guy who goes to strip clubs," Money said. "My wife won't let me do that song, so I'll sell it

to Bruno."

And again, it's back on the road.

"I need to work every weekend," Money said. "I keep the band working all the time. It's a big country and you can't rest on your laurels."

This rock 'n roll thing, it keeps Money young, he said. Besides, "I'm too cheap to get a therapist," he said.

And what aging citizen can't use a good shrink? Accepting senior discounts isn't easy on the psyche.

Take going to the movies.

"I took the kids to the show when I was 62 and they gave me a senior discount," Money said. "I felt like my father with long hair. I felt like crying in my popcorn."

But hey, Money said, "being a senior citizen, I'm still in pretty good shape. I stay out of the sun."